By Caroline.N
The government has commenced a comprehensive inspection of hotels and accommodation facilities in the Bunyoro sub region as preparations intensify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The exercise is aimed at assessing the readiness of the hospitality sector to host thousands of visitors expected during the continental tournament.
Uganda is set to co-host the prestigious competition alongside Kenya and Tanzania, marking a historic moment for East Africa. As part of the preparations, Hoima City has been selected as one of the key host venues and is expected to accommodate teams and officials who will play matches at the newly commissioned Hoima Stadium.
The inspection exercise, led by government officials and technical teams, is focusing on evaluating the capacity, standards, and quality of services offered by hotels in the region. Authorities are particularly concerned about whether existing facilities can meet international standards required for hosting teams, delegates, and football fans from across the continent and beyond.
The move follows growing concern about accommodation gaps in Bunyoro, especially in Hoima City, which has rapidly transformed into a strategic hub due to oil and infrastructure developments. Reports indicate that while the region has seen growth in the number of hotels, many establishments still require upgrades to meet global hospitality standards.
Government officials have emphasised that the inspection is not merely a routine exercise but part of a broader strategy to ensure that Uganda delivers a successful and memorable tournament. The initiative is also intended to guide hotel owners on areas that require improvement, including room capacity, hygiene standards, conference facilities, and customer service.
Earlier, authorities constituted a multi sectoral technical team to assess Uganda’s overall preparedness for AFCON beyond sports infrastructure. This includes transport, security, tourism, and accommodation. The hotel inspections in Bunyoro are therefore part of a coordinated national effort to align all sectors with the demands of hosting a major international event.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the inspections, noting that they will help raise standards and boost investor confidence in the region. However, some hotel owners have expressed concern about the financial burden associated with upgrading facilities. In previous engagements, hoteliers in Bunyoro requested government support to improve infrastructure, citing the high costs involved in expanding room capacity and modernising amenities.
Experts estimate that Uganda will require thousands of additional hotel rooms to comfortably host the influx of visitors during AFCON 2027. This has prompted calls for both public and private sector investment in the hospitality industry to bridge the gap and ensure adequate accommodation.
Beyond AFCON, officials say the improvements in the hotel sector will have long term benefits for tourism and economic growth. Upgraded facilities are expected to attract more international visitors, conferences, and business opportunities, particularly in the oil rich Bunyoro region.